Where to stay in Western Australia

Half the size of a continent, the vast state of Western Australia is noted for its remoteness—with Perth being the world’s most isolated big city—and the bizarre diversity of its landscapes. Its interior boasts undulating “bee-hive” hills, fields of spiky stone splinters, and curling rocky outcrops shaped like frozen waves. Its wildlife is also distinctive, counting whale sharks and dugongs, wombats, and thorny devils among a myriad of fascinating fauna. You’ll also find award-winning vineyards, superb surf, and an intriguing history.

Hotels in Western Australia

The state’s booming capital means that accommodation in Western Australia covers an embarrassment of riches. Soaring modern glass-towers boast 5-star luxury suites, while colonial-style hotels in Western Australia’s historic neighbourhoods impress with their exclusive health clubs and fine dining. Expect first-class business hotels in the cities and stylish beach resorts along the coast. In the wine-growing districts you’ll enjoy boutique spa retreats with full-service pampering. And the more adventurous travellers will benefit from exceptionally affordable hotel rates in Western Australia, when staying at the motels and backpacker hostels scattered in the outback.

Things to see in Western Australia

It’s the stunning natural landscape and wildlife that grabs most attention in Western Australia. Top of the list is the Ningaloo Reef, classed as a World Heritage Site. Here you can swim with whale sharks, or snorkel around reefs that are every bit as fabulous as those on the Great Barrier. Despite its name, Shark Bay—the most westerly point in Australia—is best known for its curious wild dolphins who regularly come to play with visitors. Nambung National Park is home to a truly surreal landscape—a “forest” of limestone spikes and pillars called the Pinnacles. The area around Perth also has some great attractions, the Margaret River valley being a real find. Loved locally for the magnificent surf breaks on its beaches, it also produces quality wines from vineyards scattered along its forested slopes. And across from Perth is Rottnest Island, home to the state’s famous “little wallabies”, the quokkas, and historic limestone houses said to have been built by convicts.

Where to stay in Western Australia

Perth is the destination of choice for many families looking for a relaxing beach holiday, with its combination of kid-friendly attractions and safe beaches. As the economic hub of the state, you’ll also find it ideal for business trips. The area around Perth has some of the best spa hotels in Western Australia, too. Fremantle is known for its pretty colonial buildings, art galleries, and Mediterranean cuisine—perfect for those seeking romance among its café-lined avenues. Broome is a far-flung but popular beach resort, famed for its pearl-diving heritage, while Exmouth makes a great base for those adventurers wanting to explore the Ningaloo Reef.

How to get to Western Australia

Most regular interstate flights from across the nation come in at Perth Airport, but there are less-regular interstate connections to airports in Broome and Kununurra (for the north coast), and Kalgoorlie (for the southern Outback). Both road and rail travel into this huge state promise notoriously long journeys, more akin to adventures in themselves than simple trips. The A1 from South Australia to Perth is a 2,400-kilometre trek, while the Indian Pacific train service takes 4 days to reach Perth from Sydney, via Broken Hill, Adelaide, and Kalgoorlie.